Tragopogon dubius - Yellow Salsify, Yellow Goatsbeard, Western Salsify, Wild Oysterplant. Found in 45 states – all but Hawaii, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina – Yellow Salsify is considered an invasive weed in many areas, although apparently with little negative economic impact. The taproot is edible, and is reported to be the reason it was imported into the United States. The reported flavor is reminiscent of oysters, giving it the Wild Oysterplant common name. It was grown in Thomas Jefferson's garden, although from what I can find it was a different Tragopogon species - T. porrifolius.

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Site: Boise, Ada County, ID Date: 2010-June-06

Photographer: Gerald C. WilliamsonNikon D60

The Yellow Salsify blossom is dandelion-like, and has only ray florets, which are yellow. The rays are subtended by green involucre bracts which are notably longer than the rays themselves.
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Site: Boise, Ada County, ID Date: 2010-June-19

Photographer: Gerald C WilliamsonNikon D60

The seedhead of Yellow Salsify is somewhat similar to that of the common dandelion, but much larger – being up to 4 inches across. The pappus bristles are also tan rather than white.

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Site: Boise, Ada County, ID Date: 2010-June-19

Photographer: Gerald C WilliamsonNikon D60

The seeds of Tragopogon dubius are brown, ribbed achenes.

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Site: Boise, Ada County, ID Date: 2010-June-19

Photographer: Gerald C WilliamsonNikon D60

The tan pappus bristles of Yellow Salsify.

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Site: Boise, Ada County, ID Date: 2010-June-05

Photographer: Gerald C WilliamsonNikon D60

The "dubius" species epithet is because the identification of the young plant is "doubtful" – it looks like a grass.